My thoughts on…the arrival of the new Zune
It was touted as THE iPod killer, a device that would change the way people share music forever. With all of these grand promises, people expected a lot from the Zune. But when it was released, it left much to be desired. Sure, it had WiFi, allowing you to transfer music between Zunes. Plus it had a radio. But when Microsoft gives you something with one hand, the other is digging into your pocket. Songs transferred expire after three days, after which you have to pay. You couldn’t play songs you bought from iTunes, or any other online music store. So your library would be rendered useless (Hellbent on locking out the competition. That’s Microsoft for ya). You had to pay $15 monthly for the Zune pass service. And don’t get me started on the prices of the accessories.
You couldn’t surf the Net on it, and as for the style factor, it looked like a brick. And it sunk like one too. The nuke that was supposed to blow Apple out of the water hit with little force than a bottle rocket, and soon disappeared from the tech radar. In fact, show someone with a Zune, and I’ll show you someone going to return it. Now, six months later, with Apple’s release of the new IPod shuffle, iPod nano, iPod classic, iPhone and the iPod Touch, it seems that Apple’s grip on digital music cannot be loosened. But that won’t stop Microsoft from trying. Two new Zunes are scheduled to be released in time for the holiday season. October 16th is the speculative date. The Zune 2 (codenamed “Scorpio”) with 80GB, and the Zune Flash (codenamed “Draco”) with 4GB and 8GB.
There are some images over at Gizmodo, but it’s unknown if they’re final. Along with the redesign, they’ve also cut prices to compete with the iPod. There is no word on the new (if any) capabilities of the Zune. The only new feature being talked about is the new “squircle” shaped button. There are also rumours about a “ZunePhone.” Wow. It almost looks like they’re imitating Apple, doesn’t it? But with all this hype, I still have doubts about the new Zune. Apart from Xbox 360, Microsoft’s latest ventures have all but failed. Anyone remember Soapbox? If it failed to catch on last time, what will make this time any different? One of Microsoft’s main weaknesses is that it no longer innovates, something Apple does every couple months nowadays. The new Zune had better be chockful of features, and Microsoft had better relax some of its restrictions on music sharing. Else it will end up being a very expensive doorstop.
[...] MPMG-Technology & The Minority Community Blog wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt zune2.jpg It was touted as THE iPod killer, a device that would change the way people share music forever … you someone going to return it. Now, six months later, with Apple’s release of the new IPod shuffle, iPod nano, iPod classic, iPhone and the iPod Touch, it seems that Apple’s lock on digital music cannot Posted in My thoughts…on stuff ( 36 links from 29 sites) [...]
No Zune for me at all, dem can keep that!
What a Zune?? lol
and to me the Xbox is yet to be a success as Microsoft has yet to make a dollar from gaming, they keeping that project afloat with tonnes of cash.
….wonder if they willing to pay …. for me to model their doom zune for them …. must ask them.
very good point about mi.cro.soft. Very much a greedy corporation. Cheaters never prosper. They will eventually go down.
Plain old Ipod is good for me
i learn so much reading your blog
New upgraded site, Leon — way ta go!
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